Introduction to CISCO Packet Tracer | TechnoGb

1. INTRODUCTION

Packet Tracer is a Software or a protocol simulator developed by CISCO. Cisco Packet Tracer is a very powerful tool that displays various network and protocol simulation in real-time scenario and simulation mode also. It gives the ability to design and analyze different types of real-time topologies and configure them as we do in the real world. In CISCO packet Tracer all the layer protocols are enabled or present, for example, Layer II Protocol such as Ethernet and PPP etc. , Layer III Protocol such as IP(Internet Protocol), ICMP,(Internet Control Message Protocol), ARP(Address Resolution Protocol) etc., Layer IV Protocol such as TCP(Transmission Control Protocol) and UDP(User Datagram Protocol) etc. Apart from the Layered Protocols, Packet Tracer also support all the real-time routing Protocol such as Static Routing, Default Routing, RIPv1, RIPv2, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP etc. Cisco Packet Tracer is recommended for all the networking students to compare the real-time network equipment with the packet tracer for learning the purpose and for enhancing their skills.

Above we have covered the brief introduction about Cisco Packet Tracer, Now let’s take a tour of the workspace and different tools of the software:

1. Workspace of Cisco Packet Tracer:

Workspace of Cisco Packet Tracer is very much flexible from the user point of view as it is a drag-and-drop workspace through which they can drag-and-drop the components and starts configuring it beforehand using the built-in bash command window which actually simulates the bash window of the real router. In short, the workspace is the place where all the components (routers, switches, end devices, firewall, servers and etc.) are placed and wired together to send and receive the packets. Below is the screenshot of the workspace of latest Cisco Packet Tracer 7.2.

Workspace Area

2. Toolbar Window:

Toolbar Window of any software contains all the available tools which are needed by the user repeatedly while using that particular software, likewise in the Cisco Packet Tracer, there is a toolbar which contains all the handy tools which are being used by the user while simulating the network in the workspace. So, let’s know about each option from ‘ LEFT-RIGHT ‘

File option

File Option in Cisco Packet Tracer let the user create a new Project, open the existing project, save the current ongoing project, a user can also save the project in PKZ format, save as a common cartridge, Print the current screen and many more things (see the screenshots below)

Preferences option

Preferences option in the Cisco packet tracer helps the user to set his own preferences and own work environment to start a project such as:

Customize the User Experience, he can enable or disable the animation option, show or hide the option of displaying the device model in the workspace area, always show the port labels in the logical workspace area, enable the logging option, and can manipulate many more user experience preferences using this option.

Administrative Preferences: Using this settings user can set a password to his project to make it more secure from the outside world, User can manipulate the interface Locking preferences as well such as disabling the access of Interface Tab, MultiUser Menu, IPC Menu, Custom Interface Tab, Scripting Menu, and Miscellaneous Tab. User can change the saved user folder under this administrative preferences.

Under this Preferences option, the user can also change the font properties according to his/her need to fit in the work environment.

See the screenshot below to get an idea of what all settings are present under the Preferences option to manipulate according to our need.

To access the Preferences Tab below use the following path OPTIONS -> PREFERENCES You can also use the shortcut for this as Ctrl+R.

Now the most important Toolkit in Cisco Packet Tracer is the Image widget where all the ios image of network simulation device of cisco is present. Such as Router (Layer III Device), Switches (Layer II & III Device), Hubs (Layer II Device), Wireless Devices such as wireless routers, CO Server, Access Points Home Gateway, Cell Tower etc. Security Devices and WAN Emulation.

Now I am going to list each Device from each category in every possible detailed manner to have the more understanding on the network devices which work on each level. As to proceed in the Networking field and start using or configuring the network devices you should have a better understanding of all the network devices working on each level.

Summary

Article Name

Introduction to CISCO Packet Tracer | TechnoGb

Description

Packet Tracer is a Software or a protocol simulator developed by CISCO. Cisco Packet Tracer is a very powerful tool that displays various network and protocol simulation in real-time scenario and simulation mode...

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